Build a simple carboard magnet generator

Build a simple carboard magnet generator

Build this ultra-simple AC electric generator from magnets, wire, and cardboard. (And a big nail!) Light a small lightbulb, or flash a red LED.

This demonstrates how generators work. Now if you want a more useful device, use a small DC motor as a generator, since it has much better magnetics design. All motors are generators. Figure out how to spin a motor's shaft, and you can make a small powerful generator. Or... figure out how to convert the cardboard generator into a motor!

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Creator's Site: www.amasci.com/coilgen
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+2
macrumpton 8 months ago
Nice project.
A couple of things I would change though. Since the power of the magnetic field goes down with the square of the distance, I would try to use something thinner than the cardboard so the coil can be closer to the magnet. I would also try to get some rare earth magnets as they are much stronger and still pretty cheap, and finally I would do a second coil winding 90° to the first to increase the power.
+1
Deleon0314 7 months ago
Nice! This'll definately help my friend and I out for our science project.
+1
Deleon0314 7 months ago
I will definately help my friend and i for our science project.
+1
buznut 6 months ago
Is it possible to make a generator that would power a small DC motor, and in turn that motor would power the generator and still have power to operate something else?
+1
bloop1 last month
Hi! I'm a 6th grade newb to science project. I plan to charge my ipod while pedaling my bike. I need to make my bike stationary. Watched the simple cardboard generator video. Do you think this type of generator would provide enough energy to charge my iPod? Do you have any suggestions on how to connect the coils to my iPod? Also, what tape do I use around the magnets? Thank you for any help you can offer!
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